but who reject its most important use, which is, TO READ THE WORD OF GOD. And this is the real source of danger to the unlearned, even the example of the learned. For the prominent idea on the mind of an ignorant person is naturally this, " of what use can reading be, "if it be not to read and know the will of "God?"

Let us then obey the command of our Saviour, and allow the Gospel to be read and heard by the poor. And, in particular, let Christian instruction be given to poor children. For, how incalculable is the benefit, if we believe the Christian revelation! He who teaches a child to read, and then gives him a Bible, hath performed a nobler work than if he had bestowed on that child the riches of the habitable globe. It is proper to record, on this day, the sentiments of our gracious SOVEREIGN on this subject. His majesty patronises schools for the instruction of the poor, in the most earnest manner; and hath publicly expressed his wish," that EVERY POOR CHILD IN THE na(6 TION SHOULD BE ABLE TO READ THE BIBLE. This is a sentiment worthy of a Christian king; and the example he hath given is worthy of the universal imitation of his Christian subjects., EVERY poor child, certainly, in this nation, ought to be able to read the Bible. What is there to prevent it? If it be not ef

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fected, it will not be the fault of the poor, but the fault of the rich. Let every one of us, then, according to his opportunity, influence, or ability, endeavour to fulfil this obligation, and contribute his aid to the accomplishment of the divine purpose," that the poor should "have the Gospel preached to them." The Bible is the proper inheritance of the poor this world. The rich seldom read the Bible. "The rich," saith our Lord, "have received "their consolations." But the poor, having little hope in this world, will more readily "embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope " of everlasting life." Having no honour or "of glory here, they will the more earnestly look into that book which contains their charter for "glory, honour, and immortality;" which our Saviour hath given them, saying; "Bless❝ed are ye poor, for your's is the kingdom of "heaven." *

* It is well known by those who have had the means of forming a competent judgment on the subject, that there is in Scotland more religion, a higher tone of morals, more classical learning, more general knowledge, in short, more absolute civilization, in proportion to the population, than there is in England. And this hath been produced in the course of time by the natural means, viz. the establishment of schools. The common servants in that country (I speak of the Lowlands chiefly) can both read and write; but they make better sevants for that, not worse. It may be, that the child who comes to your door for an alms, can both

There is another source of amelioration of morals amongst the lower classes, which ought to be noticed on this day with the highest respect, namely, the BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS, which have been established during the present reign; I mean, particularly those establishments whose object is to attend to the souls of men, as well as to their bodies, by instructing the young, and reclaiming the vicious.

There are many persons who manifest much liberality and public spirit in support of those institutions which relate merely to the personal comfort of man, who are, at the same time, indifferent, sometimes hostile, to his religious and moral improvement. It has been suppos ed, that this spirit is very general at this pe riod, and that it is increasing. It shews itself chiefly in the following expression; "that

read and write. For "God hath made both rich and poor;" and, when the whole scale of civilization is raised, there must yet be some poor. But the fact is, that the poor in Scotland are fewer in number (perhaps by one half) in proportion to the country, than they are in England. To a stranger, indeed, they may appear in some numbers, because they generally beg for themselves, (a condition of humanity in almost all countries) whereas, in England, there are houses. built for them. If we would reduce the number of the poor in England, and the almost incredible expense of the poor rates, let us encourage schools, and teach "EVERY POOR 66 CHILD IN THE NATION TO READ THE BIBLE."'

very good institutions may grow out of hu"manity and philosophy alone." If this be, in any degree, a just statement of the general sentiment, it will be found, very much to diminish our character as a benevolent nation on Christian principles. Let us examine this

matter.

The benevolent institutions of this country: have attracted the attention of the world by their number and magnitude; and they are a just theme of exultation to the nation. But we are to remember, that the exercise of benevolence to the poor, in regard to their temporal estate, is not peculiar to our country, or to the Christian religion. Almost all nations, according to their progress in civilization, attend to this public duty; because it is a matter of public interest. We can exemplify this even in the case of the Hindoo nation. We have seen, that the religion of Brahma careth not for the souls of men; but it is not destitute of attention to their bodies. The Hindoos possessed formerly, during the period of their political greatness, numerous public institutions, and public accommodations, for the benefit of the poor and the diseased, which were supported by the national revenue, and some of them with imperial munificence. Of these there are: relics at this day, such as Serais, or Caravanserahs, free of expense, in the desert lands, for

the wayfaring man; rows of trees, planted on each side of the road, to defend the head of the pilgrim from the hot rays of the sun; and, in particular, wells of water opened in the burning desert to refresh the thirsty traveller; wells of great extent, some of them covering acres of ground, built at an immense expense, and with incredible labour, constructed of hewn stone, and enduring from age to age.

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It is true, these works have not been continued by their European conquerors; for, even benevolence to the personal comfort of men requires something of local, or national, partiality to call it forth. And, if this be true, in regard to the bodies, how much more may it be expected, in regard to the souls of men? You have heard, that endeavours are now making to restore learning to the East, and to give to divine revelation the possession of its FIRST INHERITANCE. But that spirit of indifference to all religion which prevails amongst many, would oppose the attempt. We would offer to the fainting Gentile the waters of life, and open to him new sources of instruction and consolation; but, in like manner, as the Philistines filled up the wells of Abraham, so would these destroy the fountains of truth. But, we trust," that the WELLS OF SALVATION ??

Isaiah xij. 3.
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